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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Naimisharanya (Neemsaar), a small town in Sitapur district, around 90 km from Lucknow, is one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is near the Lucknow city, at Lucknow-Delhi National High way No. 24 (as seen in Map below).The "Satyanarayan Vrat Katha" as given in Skand Puran, (a routine religious Hindu tradition) was first recited at Neemsaar Tirth. It is said that the most sacred books of Hindus "Purans" were written by Mahirshi Vyas at this holy place. There is a mention of this place in the beginning of Holy Satyanarayan Katha : "एकदा नैमिशारंये ऋषयः शौनकादयः "

It is said that once Shaunak Rishi approached Brahma Ji to quench the thrust for knowledge. Brahmja ji provided him a Chakra with the instructions to keep it moving until it stops. Wherever it stops, make it a place of your stay and meditate there for Gyan. Shaunak Rishi was also accompanied by other Rishis. Finally the Chakra stopped at Naimishranya near Gomti Giver. During ancient time, around 88000 saints and Rishis used to meditate at this placed. In Balmiki Ramayan, this place is quoted as Naimisha and it is said that that once Shri Ram completed Ashwamegha Yagya at this place wherein Mahirshi Balmiki, Lav and Kush also joined. During Mahabharat, this place was visited by Yudhistir and Arujun. There is also description of this place in Aine Akbari (16th century).

It is said that Balram, brother of Shri Krishna also visited here and performed a Yagya. As there was greenery,dense forest and peace, this place has been a most preferred places for religious saints to meditate, study and procure knowledge.

A description of Naimisharanya is also found in Kurmapuran wherein it is written: इदं त्रैलोक्य विखायातं तीर्थ नामिश्मुत्तम्ममहादेव प्रियाकरण महापताकनाशनम

It is also said that Piligrimage of Badrinath and Kedarnath is completed only after visit to Naimisharanya.

1. Chakrathirth: It is round shaped holy water pond. People take bath in it and worship. Mention of this holy place can also be traced in Mahabharat, Brahm and Skand Puran. The Sarovar (pond) is surrounded by some age old temples. Gate of the Sarovar is beautiful. It is sad that the Chakra threw by Brahma ji, ultimately reached this place and went inside the earth. Thereafter a large water source developed at this place. As the area was getting marooned, the saints requested Brahma ji to stop the high flow. As per advice of Brahma Ji, Lalita Devi re-established the Chakra at this place and regulated the flow of water. Since then a number of people use to visit this holy place, particularly on Somvati Amavasya. You can see the nearby Bhooteshwarnath Temple,Sootgaddi, Chakranarayan temple, Badrinarayan temple, Shivalay Bhairav ji and Kashikund,etc.

2. Hanuman Garhi : Near the Pandev Kila (Fort) there is a huge size stone-carved murti of Shri Hanuman Ji. Shri Ram and Lakshman are sitting on the soulders of Hanuman ji. After winning Ahiravana in patal lok, Hanuman ji first emeged at this place, hence this place is significant in the heart of people who come from different parts of India each year. On the stairs of of the temple, one can see statues of Ganesh Ji, Makardhwaj etc. Since the Hanuman Ji is facing towards south the temple is also called Dakshireshwar Hanuman ji.

3. Pandav Kila -On the south west side of Chakratrith, you can see Pandav Kila at the bank of river Gomti. As per legend, this kila (fort) was of King Virat of Mahabharat. During 'Banvas' Pandavs lived here. Beautiful statues of Lord Krishna and Pandavs can be seen here. It is said that in the year 1305, this fort was rebuilt by a Hindu Minister of Alauddin Khilji.

4. Lalita Devi Temple -This is an ancient temple. As per legends, by the order of Lord Brahma, Lalita Devi appeared at this place for the destructions of Asurs in Devasur Sangram. Mention of Lalita devi can be traced in Puran -Shaktipeeth(Hindus sacred books). After having a holy dip in Chakratirth, visit this famous temple for 'Darshan'. "

5. Yvas GaddiAs per legends, Maharshi Yvas wrote Ved Puran -sacred Hindu books which describe Hindu way of life, at this holy place. This place has been a witness to the meeting of eightyfour thousand saints and Rishis. It has been a place of 'tapasya' by Manu and Shatrupla. Nearby is a very old Vat tree.6. Havan Kund - an ancient Havan kund which was used by Rishis and saints.Puran Temple and Ma Anandmayi Ashram - Here four Veds are kept. 7. Mishrikh -Dadhichi Kund: Around 10 km. away from Naimisharanya, Mishrikh is also a holy Tirth. As per legends, Devats requested Brahma ji to help them to destruct Vatrasur who was a source of harassment to them. Hence Maharishi Dadhichi was requested to provide his bones for making a Vajra. Before giving his bones, Maharshi took bath in this Pond which was made a combination of water from holy rivers. The significant of Mishrikh is well described in Padampuram (Aadikhand).

8. Sita kundIt is said that God Ram Lakshman and Sita visited this place while leaving for Vanvas. Sitaji took bath here and hence it is called Sitakund.

9. Puram Mandir and Ashram of Ma AnandmayiThis is an ancient temple where 4 Veds have been kept. Nearby is the Ma Anandmayi Ashram. Swami Nardanand Temple is worth visiting where still spiritual education is imparted in the traditional manner. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's Paramhans Math, which is also known as Gariya Math is also worth seeing.

Another legend is that the name of Naimisharanya Tirth comes from Naimisha Forest.The story regarding the importance of this forest is that, after the great battle of Mahābhārata, sages and saints, who were very much concerned about the beginning of Kali yug, approached Brahma. Being aware of the extreme effects of the yuga, they urged Brahma to show them a place which can stay untouched by the effects of Kaliyug. Brahma took out a sacred wheel (Chakra) and rolls it down on the earth and said, where ever that wheel stops, that would be the place. The sages followed the wheel, which stopped in the forest of Naimisharanya. Thus, sages and saints, made it their abode for further penance.As per the legends, Lord Brahma had himself indicated that in Kaliyug era, Naimisharanya would be the most sacred and holy place for meditation.

It is because of its historic importance that people from all over India visit this holy place. Chakratirth, Bhooteshwar Temple, Yvas Gaddi, Havankund, Lalita Devi Temple, Panch Prayag, Shesh Temple, Shivalay Bhairav Ji Temple , Soot Gaddi, Sri Hanuman Garhi, and Panch Prayag, are some of the most sacred places to visit in addition to Mishrikh which is around 10 kms. away from this place.

It was heard from some local people that a Mulla Bhiri Baba Mandir, situated in a nearby village - Mulla Bhiri" is also famous for fulfilling wishes of people. It is said that whosoever visits this place with faith, he/she never returns with empty handed.

Disclaimer : Please note that this is only a general travel information site. Please note that with the change of time, the information may change or even may not be as indicated. Please note the information provided in this site or sub-sites is for general information only and may not be correct or accurate. It is always recommended to confirm it through other available sources.

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Namisharanya - Neemsaar - Tirth

Naimisharanya, around 95 km from Lucknow, is one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage in UP. As per the legends, Lord Brahma had himself indicated that in Kaliyug era, Naimisharanya would be the most sacred and holy place for meditation.

It is because of its historic importance that people from all over India visit this holy place. Chakratirth, Lalita Devi Temple, Panch Prayag, Vyas Gaddi, Soot Gaddi, Sri Hanuman Garhi and Panch Pandav, are some of the most sacred places to visit in addition to Mishrikh which is around 10 kms. away from this place

Origin of Namisharanya Tirth and Chakra

Importance of Namisharanya Tirth The name of Namisharanya Tirth comes from Naimisha Forest.The story regarding the importance of this forest is that, after the great battle of Mahābhārata, sages and saints, who were very much concerned about the beginning of Kali yuga, approached Brahma. Being aware of the extreme effects of the yuga, they urged Brahma to show them a place which can stay untouched by the effects of Kaliyug. Brahma takes out a sacred wheel (Chakra) and rolls it down on the earth and says, where ever that wheel stops, that would be the place. The sages follow the wheel, which stops in the forest of Naimisha. Thus, they make it their abode for further penance.